Bhubaneswar: Recently battered by cyclone ‘Yaas’, the Odisha Government has stepped up its measures to strengthen the saline embankments to prevent high tidal waves from inundating the coastal areas during powerful storms.
Water Resources department chief engineer Jyotirmaya Rath today said that the government has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Rs 6000-7000 crore for a long-term plan to check high tides during storm.
In the first phase, measures will be taken for the construction of a 380-km-long saline embankment at a cost of Rs 1944 crore with stone packing and plantation drive on the entire coast line, Rath said.
Speaking on the flood-like situation which occurred in the aftermath of the recent cyclone in several rivers of north Odisha, Rath said it occurred due to a breach in Kani river embankment near Brahmacharipatna.
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“There is a 15-ft long breach in Kani river embankment which is being repaired with sand packs in presence of engineers from the department. The repair works are expected to be over by this evening,” he added.
There is no report of breach or damages caused to any other major river embankement or saline embankments anywhere in the State, Rath informed.
There is no further risk of flood in Subranarekha river as the water level has started receding.
“The water level came 1 metre below the danger mark last night. Some low-lying areas in Basta, Kasaphala, Baliapala are still water logged. I expect water will completely recede by tomorrow morning, Rath maintained.
Damages are being assessed in Baliapala, Basta and other areas of Balaosore. Compensation would be given to the affected people after reports were received, he said.